The Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr prediction thread !

Johnson has an insane left hook and got in a peach of a hook on the inside. He tried to do the same again all night (fight inside) and ended up getting splattered 2 rounds later. Beterbiev adjusted really well. Johnson fell in love with the idea of brawling with Beterbiev and had no real plan.

On the other hand, Smith has a perfect 1-2 shot. A good probing jab and a really well corked back right hand. The problem is that he relies on it too much and it looks telegraphed.

Gvozdyk hit Beterbiev with 1-2's all night and did not budge him.

I'm not comparing their power but what I am saying is that you will need more than a single good punch or two to beat Beterbiev.

Beterbiev is good at the following

Trapping
Cutting off the ring
Opening you up
Fighting backwards
Wrestling and Mauling
Clinching
Inside game
Front foot
Body work

He's the perfect FIGHTER. His boxing is good but mostly subtle. He probes you and looks for openings or creates them. Smith Jr is not that intelligent in his approach. It's 1-2-1-2-1-2, hook...push back. Repeat.

 

A Hail Mary right hand which itself is GOOD enough to hurt Beterbiev on its own but does he has anything more than that?

 

i predict that Beterbiev will be announced as hailing from Indio, California and that the judges will somehow give the first 4 rounds to canelo despite the fact he's not even in the ring.

 

Beterbiev, but i bet 20 euros just to make the fight interesting to watch. On the other side Smith got a chance, Arthur didnt look impressive in last fights, his chin is suspect and Smith got power. Thats it.

 

Smith is wooden and basic with a huge punch.

Beterbiev is a higher level boxer with world class power with every punch he throws.

All Beterbiev needs to do is be active and avoid being caught clean and he grinds Smith down and stops him late.

 

I think Beterbiev by KO in round 9.

 

So tempted to put money on smith jr here

 

It'd be a great story, man, but I can't see it happening. If I thought Joe had significantly more than a puncher's chance, I'd certainly be taking those odds. Beterbiev is just better at applying the power he has.

 

I think Beterbiev somewhere between 7-10.

 

I'm going for Smith KO 12

 

Beterbiev KO 8